“CNR is a small College and a tight-knit community. This allows me to get to know and help my students and our graduates develop long term strategies to be successful in their careers.” Diane Spizzirro Career Counselor Office of Counseling and Career Services The College of New Rochelle

Tell us a little about yourself, Diane.  

I am born and raised in Larchmont, New York where I now live with my husband and two children.  I am one of seven children who all remain in the area. I am a career changer myself, having been in Risk Management for many years where I worked with large fortune 500 organizations. After going through the career counseling process, I made my career transition and went back to school and received my Masters in Career Development at CNR.  I have been in private practice for the last ten years.

What is your position here at The College of New Rochelle?

I joined the College first as an adjunct instructor in the Graduate School in 2005 and then as the full time career counselor in August of 2007.

What are your responsibilities?

I provide the leadership, vision and resources to students in all four schools, as well as alumnae, and assist them in all areas of their career decision making including selecting a major, career direction, planning their career goals, learning effective job search skills and strategies, and finding part-time jobs, internships and employment. I work with students in uncovering and owning their unique skills, interest and personality traits so they are confident in their career decisions. I help them develop powerful resumes that produce results, as well as prepare and support them in the networking and interview process. In addition to working with individuals, I also facilitate programs to help students learn about career fields, develop effective study skills and work with them on time management skills.

What, in your opinion, are some of the advantages for students
to attend CNR?

Two things really stick out for me.  First, career counseling here at the College is viewed in a holistic model of health and wellness.  Most people spend two thirds of their life in a career and career issues affect personal wellness. Career Services are for a lifetime at CNR, therefore alumnae are able to utilize these services throughout their lives. Secondly, CNR is a small College and a tight knit community. This allows me to get to know and help my students and our graduates develop long term strategies to be successful in their careers.

What are some of the Special Programs that your Office has for students?

Counseling and Career Services collaborates with faculty, staff, alumnae/i, student groups and a variety of community resources to provide comprehensive programming related to career. These programs include career panels; job fairs; resume writing workshops; interview and communication skills, study skills as well as stress management.  We also provide comprehensive one-on-one career counseling which includes assessment to help our students develop self confidence and a clearer understanding of their career goals.

In what ways does the Office of Counseling and Career Services help students on campus and their careers?

In addition to our programs our office maintains on-line and hard copy resources including job listings for part and full time employment, internships, co-op, work-study and volunteer opportunities.

What is the best way for a student to use your resources and counseling services?

The best way for students to use our resources is to come into our office and setup a time to meet with a Career Counselor. We develop individualized programs for our students to best meet their needs. We are located in Mooney Center Room 150 or they can call or email me at (914)654-5568, dspizzirro@cnr.edu

What do you like best about your job?

I have a passion for helping students and alumnae/i explore and understand career options and develop a personalized strategy to reach their goals. I am able to help them make informed career choices and identify meaningful employment.  I truly enjoy when a graduate has made a successful transitioned in the work world and our finds a job they are well suited for and is a profitable career for them. That’s when I know I have done my job.